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A blackout left a Bronx apartment complex in the dark overnight, even trapping some in elevators. And the fix is only temporary, John Noel reports. (Published Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012)

Updated at 7:54 PM EDT on Thursday, Aug 30, 2012

More than two dozen people were trapped in elevators when an overnight power outage at the Bronx's Co-op City cut electricity to the massive complex, leaving thousands of residents in the dark.

Thirty-five high-rise buildings were affected during what authorities described as a "total power failure."

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The FDNY rescued 27 people stuck in elevators when the power went out shortly after midnight, according to Office of Emergency Management spokesman Frank McCarton.

McCarton said paramedics and firefighters worked through the night, climbing flights upon flights of stairs in the dark, to help people in need. In total, seven patients were evaluated. Four were taken to area hospitals, including some elderly residents who needed oxygen and a man who hurt his leg.

"It has to be over 2,000 steps," said Miles Johnson, a resident who had to climb to his apartment on the 22nd floor. "I'd been working all day. I was exhausted. But I said I have to make it happen. I walked up there. I was exhausted. Legs were on fire. I think I lost a couple of calories."

All injuries were considered minor.

Power began to come back about 3 a.m, provided by Consolidated Edison.
Co-op City has its own electrical system, which is still down.